TYLER, Texas - The fifth-ranked Southwestern University volleyball team used a huge blocking night to pick up a pair of road wins over ASC opponents, defeating East Texas Baptist in three sets before earning a four set win over Texas-Tyler.
In the first match against ETBU, the Pirates hit .229 with 36 kills to only 11 errors as well as eight service aces and 14 block assists. Southwestern rolled through the match, winning 25-12, 25-19, and 25-17.
"It was of good value to see us have some positive growth in our tempo and rhythm from Megan (Grimes) to our attackers," said Head Coach Don Flora. "Being able to get more balls to our middle hitters an area we liked today."
Freshman Maya Clausen continues her excellent play as of late, finishing with 11 kills on .320 hitting while junior Jamison Duck had eight kills and five service aces. Junior Megan Grimes added 29 assists and 10 digs while junior Brandi Campos led the way defensively with 23 digs. Senior Kate Mitchell had three block assists to go with a block solo.
"Brandi Campos having 23 digs, and they were located well for our offense, was big time for Brandi and the team," added Flora.
Southwestern followed up against the home team in the nightcap, earning the win in four sets and holding the Patriots to .138 hitting while hitting .266 as a team with 57 kills to only 16 errors. The Pirates also had 28 block assists on the night.
The Pirates took the first set 25-18 before Texas-Tyler responded with a 25-19 win in the second set. The turning point was in the third set, where the Pirates were red hot, hitting .607 throughout the set including 18 kills to one error. Southwestern carried that momentum into the final set where they used a strong defense to close the match out at 25-16.
"Our staff was very proud of our overall effort and competitive nature tonight," said Coach Flora. "Holding a very good offense in UT Tyler to .038 in the first set and .054 in the 4th set is an accomplishment."
Senior Piper Sisemore was excellent, finishing with 15 kills to only one error for a .500 hitting percentage while Mitchell had 14 kills and sophomore Brittany Hohlt added 12. Grimes finished with 45 assists and 21 digs while Campos and Duck had 19 and 14, respectively.
Sisemore, Hohlt, and Clausen all finished with seven block assists while Mitchell and Grimes had three while Mitchell also adding a solo block.
"Our defense with 15 stuff blocks and quality defense behind that block was a key to finishing of a very good Texas-Tyler team," added Flora.
Southwestern will take the weekend off before returning to SCAC play next weekend as they will head to San Antonio on the campus of Trinity University for the second round of divisional play. They open on Friday, October 13th against Schreiner at 4 PM.
